For starters, you need to hear one another. Nothing kills momentum more than having to scream “WHAT?!” every time they ask you something. (LA is obsessed with breaking this rule). Secondly, do not over impress. This isn’t The Bachelor. There’s no rose on the table and you don’t need to overshare your whole life story in 5 minutes in hopes of making it to the next episode. Save the five-star restaurants and helicopter rides for later. Casual always wins out. And lastly, be tasteful for god’s sake. Find a place that proves you know what you’re doing without over doing it. You want sexy, not sceney. Accessible, but not amateur. Are you stressed yet? Well, take a breath.

Because Plan Check the best first date spot in town. Let us explain.

The food is good. Very good. The Smokey Fried Jidori Chicken is one of the most underrated chicken dishes in the city and those Cruller Donuts you had for dessert will haunt your dreams for weeks. The fantastic craft beer selection should also be taken advantage of but don’t shy away from their cocktails either. A stiff drink can go a long way on a first date. The vibe inside is trendy but not smothering and that’s exactly what you want. Admittedly, Fridays and Saturdays can quite get crowded but the large windows opening out onto Fairfax keeps the air moving. Oxygen is important on first dates. And also in general.

The original Plan Check started out on Sawtelle in West LA, but this second location on Fairfax places you and your date in the heart of city and a quick Uber away from just about anything you could want. That’s of course if the party moves, ahem, elsewhere.

Thank us in the morning.

Food Rundown

Smokey Fried Chicken

Fried chicken might not be the first thing that comes to mind to eat on a first date, but trust us, you will look good eating it. Not nearly as heavy as it sounds on paper, this jidori style chicken with yam preserves and gravy is a must order.

Plan Check Burger

Anyone who orders a burger on a first date is already a keeper in our books and Plan Check’s version is a fantastic way to display your carnivorous preferences.

Southern Fry

Here’s that Jidori chicken again but this time in a more concise sandwich format covered in spicy pimento cheese and duck breast ham. AMEN.

Pastrami Nosh

Just down the block from Canter’s, Plan Check is coming in real hot with some solid pastrami dishes of their own. With kimchi mustard and a fried egg on top, this isn’t your grandma’s sandwich either. Reserve caution with that fried egg on a date though.

Pickles

You read that correct. And with up to five pickle “families” to choose from (including one that’s an egg in pickle juice), this is a cheap, fun way to get the evening started.

Cruller Donuts

Not that they really needed one, but donuts seem to be having a bit of a moment as of late and these are a must-try entry into the pantheon of fantastic donuts this city possesses.